I'm not running them, but just this past week considered the possibility of changing rim sizes- due to the price/availability of 17" tires. I did NOT change to 16" and here is why.
I am already running 1" oversize at 265/70 R17. I had pretty stout sidewalls with the LT 6 ply. If I went to 16" rims, I would have to have even taller sidewalls.
I didn't want it to look like the giant off road tires. Although those are cool, the look doesn't suit my DD.
Because the Safari Trex tires I really like are no longer available, I found another tread pattern I like, but the 6 ply were $20 MORE per tire than the 10 ply!
So 10-ply (on the rear) it is. 80 psi, which I may lower after getting some time on them. They are Load Rating E.
There was an online calculator somewhere that allowed you to punch in tire size and get your overall height...google it and I would suggest a MAX of 265/70 R17 for a stock 2004, unlifted 4Runner Limited. They just barely rub at extreme turns.
I would also suggest LT tires (at least 6 ply). The difference in handling with the stiffer sidewalls is substantially improved over the stock P rated tires.
You may get ok performance over 16s with taller profile if the walls are stiff (10 ply?), but I can't say. I also really prefer the wider tires of the 265. Not sure I would go with 235 width, it would be pretty narrow for me. I like the wider stance, though if you were deep mudding, narrower can be better (big debate over wider vs narrower tires- bottom line: wider spin less and stay on top, narrower dig better once spinning in deep mud)
I know this wasn't exactly the "I did it" response you asked for, but maybe some of the same considerations I had will help you decide?
Post pics if you do!
